2023 Archives | The Partae

Words: Chris Brooks – Photographer: Tim Lambert

It was a perfect, balmy early Autumn night On Saturday March 4, 2023, when Bon Iver and his 6 musical making wizards played to a packed and pumping Sidney Myer Music bowl, in Melbourne, Australia.

With the suspense building after an epic show from the ever talented Gordi, the atmosphere was electric and then suddenly Bon Iver and band graced the stage and kicked the night off with ‘Lump Sum’ and soared into ‘Heavenly Father’. The crowd’s gigantic applause between songs was near deafening at times and was a stark contrast to the near silence during each song, however as the night progressed so did the energy in the bowl and the crowd became the band’s backing choir, a truly magical experience.

Bon Iver was started back in 2006 by Justin Vernon, who has to this day remained focused on the music and not theatrics, this was evident on this particular night with Justin not straying away between songs with unnecessary talking or delays. Appreciation and acknowledgment for the crowd’s support was given from time to time.

The talent of all the musicians that shared the stage was breathtaking, a truly world class display of musical talent to the highest degree. It really is a marvel to witness not only such an amazing band perform but the fact that someone is able to create music that can touch on so many different human emotions, a super sonic experience to say the least. The icing on the cake was the absolutely amazing light show, a spectacle in itself.

Witnessing Bon Iver live truly does take you down an outer world / next level bodily experience that won’t be wearing off any time soon. Big Love Bon Iver! Thank you for an amazing night!!